Today is 11/11—a numerical sequence with several ties to the art of being a good teammate.
For starters, November 11th is Veterans Day. Today we honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces, a group that most definitely embodies “good teammate” qualities.
In binary code, the fundamental language of computers where 0 represents an “off” electrical state and 1 represents an “on” state, the sequence 1111 means “all on.” When it comes to commitment, caring, and effort, good teammates are always “all on.”
Relatedly, being a good teammate is a “binary” choice: you either prioritize what’s best for the team over your own interests, or you don’t. There’s no middle ground. You’re either “all on,” or you’re not.
In numerology, the number 11 is considered a “master number” representing intuition, alignment, and unity—attributes of good teammates. Doubling this number is thought to amplify its intensity, something good teammates routinely do.
Seeing 11/11 is also considered an example of synchronicity. First introduced by Carl Jung, founder of analytical psychology, synchronicity is when coinciding events appear meaningfully related even though they are not causally linked.
For example, you think about a friend just before that friend calls or texts you. Or you happen to hear a song on the radio whose lyrics provide you with an answer to a question you were just pondering.
With synchronicity, no apparent cause links your thought and the action. You didn’t cause your friend to call, nor did you cause the radio to play that particular song. The two events are merely happenstance. They only seem like a meaningful coincidence to you because you interpret them to be a “sign” from the universe.
Synchronicity has no correlation to being a good teammate, but synchronization does.
Synchronization is the process of intentionally coordinating events or actions to occur at a specific time or in a specific sequence. In technology, for instance, it ensures that systems, devices, or processes work harmoniously. In daily life, synchronization can refer to coordinating schedules or movements, such as rowers rowing in unison.
On teams, synchronization is essential for efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. Without synchronization, teams could become disorganized, leading to errors and conflicts.
Think of it this way: an orchestra’s musicians playing in time with the conductor is synchronization, whereas musicians start to play just as you pass by, and thinking it was for you, is synchronicity.
Synchronization is a good teammate attribute because it requires a conscious effort. To be in unison with the other members of your team necessitates sacrifice, awareness, empathy, and a willingness to act outside of your comfort zone.
Think of rowing a boat. For the boat to move at its optimal speed, everyone must row in unison. If you or one of your fellow teammates choose to row at a pace of your individual preference, the boat will never reach its optimal speed.
There’s a long-standing tradition of making a wish whenever the clock strikes 11:11. And when that moment falls on 11/11, it’s said to hold even more power. So today, you might choose to take part in that tradition, wishing to become a better teammate or hoping for better teammates around you.
But perhaps you don’t need to make a wish at all. You can decide, right now, to be the kind of teammate you want to see. Your actions can inspire others far more than any wish could. Being a good teammate is not a matter of happenstance. It’s a matter of choice.
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
